Cornucopian (Into Mischief) looked like he might be something special very early in his career. While it would ultimately take five tries to garner black-type, the striking colt checked that box in style on Sunday, running off to a scortching victory in Santa Anita’s GIII San Carlos Stakes.
Pounded down to 1-5 favoritism for the seven-furlong contest, he was allowed to settle back in third behind Bartholdy (Mendelssohn) and Listenupshance (Shancelot) through an opening quarter in :22.16.
As the pacesetter kept up the pace through a half-mile in :44.03, Cornucopian started to make his move to the outside of the top two. On even terms with Listenupshance straightening for home as the early leader started to weaken along the inside, Cornucopian powered into the clear late and finished 2 3/4-lengths clear of Listenupshance at the wire. Bartholdy held third while GISW Sunsanador (Arg) (Fortify) rounded out the Superfecta. Final time for the seven-furlong race was1:20.71.